Shan eyes next WTC final

Pakistan's Test captain Shan Masood laid out a clear blueprint for his team's journey to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 final after securing a commanding victory over the West Indies in the first Test on Sunday.

During a recent press conference, Masood expressed optimism for Pakistan's future in the competition, stressing the importance of consistency and strategic planning in their upcoming matches.

The captain pointed out that playing more Test matches is crucial for Pakistan's advancement in the championship.

"We must strive to play more Test matches," Masood said.

The opening batter also responded to critics who had questioned the quality of the pitch in Multan.

He urged the focus to shift away from the surface and instead emphasized the team's comprehensive strategy for the ICC World Test Championship.

"People need to stop focusing on the pitch," he asserted.

"We have a strategy for the World Test Championship, and it's not about the pitch conditions. Our plan involves six series in the championship—three at home and three away. If we can consistently win at home and secure at least one victory and one draw in away series, we'll be in a strong position to reach the final," he added.

Reflecting on his team's approach to various conditions, the left-handed batter acknowledged that every pitch has its own challenges, and it's important not to be overly concerned when certain departments struggle on a given surface.

He pointed out that sometimes pitches are more favorable to batters or spinners, and that is part of the natural variation of the game.

"We will continue to play with this mindset," Masood stated.

"Appreciate our performance. If one department, such as the fast bowlers, doesn't find help on a particular pitch, it's not a cause for concern. Every surface behaves differently, and sometimes it favors batters or spinners. We've adopted a policy of playing according to the conditions, and it should be supported. Other nations do the same," he added.

Ramiz reflects on Test win against West Indies

Former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja shared his thoughts on Pakistan's historic victory in the shortest test match in the nation's history, completed in just 125 overs against the West Indies. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramiz emphasized the dominant performance by the team and the crucial role spinners played in dismantling the opposition.

"Pakistan pocketed this test match with authority," said Ramiz. "This square-turning pitch, much like the template set after the England series, completely exposed the West Indies' lack of quality when it comes to handling spin. Their batters were not equipped to deal with the conditions or our heavy-duty spin attack," he added.

He praised the pivotal 141-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel in the first innings, calling it a game-changer.

"On a challenging pitch, the way Rizwan and Shakeel handled the pressure was brilliant. They turned the tide in Pakistan's favor when it mattered most. Even though Pakistan's batting stumbled in the second innings, they had already moved so far ahead that 250 was unachievable for the West Indies," he remarked.

Ramiz was particularly impressed with Pakistan's trio of spinners—Abrar Ahmed, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan.

"The spinners were the stars of the show," he further remarked. "Abrar's wicket-to-wicket bowling, Noman's ability to deceive with his straight deliveries, and Sajid's wide angles and versatility created an ideal combination. Each bowler brought something unique to the table, adjusting seamlessly to the wear and tear of the ball," he further added.

Highlighting their impact, he added, "Abrar is relentless with his accuracy, Noman's variations on a spinning track are world-class, and Sajid's angles make him a constant threat. Together, they formed a perfect spin attack that dominated the opposition," Ramiz added.

Ramiz concluded by urging the West Indies to take this as a learning experience.

"This Test should be a wake-up call for the West Indies. They need to come up with better strategies and significantly improve their batting against spin. For Pakistan, it's an excellent chance to win the series 2-0 and set a positive tone for the home season. Victories like these give immense confidence to the players and the system," he concluded.